WATCH: Durnford Road detour a danger in the wet

The impact of the closure of Empangeni’s Durnford Road as urgent repairs are awaited was no more clearly evident on the day schools reopened.

Traffic congestion was chaotic into Main Road and towards the Rail without this important arterial as vehicles transporting learners to Empangeni High, Grantham Primary and the Zululand Remedial schools fought for space with work-bound traffic.

With heavy rain falling, the ‘alternate’ bypass route through the bushes and across the stream near the casino has become the choice of many.

But it is a risky option, as a number of vehicles have had to be towed across the low level bridge that flooded during recent downpours.

There is a sign indicating only 4×4 vehicles should attempt the crossing, but chancers have paid the price.

With construction teams still setting up at Durnford Road to repair the road and bridge, it is going to be the best part of two months before the situation is resolved.

This despite early December’s promised timeline of six weeks.

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